Silver Dollars Recipe

Prepare dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon fine salt until evenly combined.

Combine wet ingredients

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk 1 cup buttermilk with 1 large egg until smooth. Whisk in 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. If your melted butter is very hot, let it cool for a couple minutes before adding so it doesn't cook the egg.

Make the batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold until just combined. A few small lumps are fine — do not overmix. Let the batter rest 5–10 minutes to allow the leaveners to activate and the flour to hydrate.

Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Reduce heat to medium-low. Lightly coat the surface with about 1 teaspoon neutral oil or a small pat of butter, spreading to a thin layer.

For silver dollar pancakes (about 2–3 inches / 5–7 cm wide): Use a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon or a small cookie scoop to drop batter onto the skillet. Space pancakes about 1–2 inches apart. Work in batches so the pan is not crowded.

Cook the pancakes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Carefully flip each pancake with a spatula and cook the second side until golden brown, about 30–45 seconds. Adjust heat as needed so pancakes brown without burning.

Transfer finished pancakes to a warm plate and keep warm in a low oven (about 200°F / 95°C) while you cook remaining batter. Lightly grease the pan between batches as needed.

Stack or arrange silver dollar pancakes in small piles. Serve hot with maple syrup and optional butter, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries to taste.

Leftovers can be cooled completely, refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or frozen in a single layer and then bagged for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a toaster oven, under a broiler for a minute, or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.